Are you proud

[GreatLakes]

If by city you mean the suburb I live in I'd go yes, yes, neutral. If you mean metro I'd go yes, yes , yes.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Ah finally a good thread to ask this. I am not American, I am Dutch. Being proud is an almost foreign concept to me. If you are proud of something, it is about accomplishments, and even then you are taught to keep it to yourself, 'act normal' (as in: Don't stand out) is a big part of Dutch culture. Being proud of accomplishments is equal to bragging for us.

To Americans, how are you taught to be proud about things like country, state, city? Is it something your parents told you, is it a school thing, Where does it come from and how do you measure it?
(It's an honest question, it's one of the most fascinating things about American culture to me )

Not taught. But history…
We help every other country in their time of need, weather it be militarily, money, accident investigations, and many other things.
The biggest thing to be proud of imho, is our space program. We put a man on the moon, and did that for all mankind.
I could go on and on, but yes, the US is my home and I’m proud to say so!!!

 

[dreamer17555]

Pride to me means that I personally did something. By the Grace of God I was born in this country, I am not overly involved in state politics (however my 19DD spent most of her year working with getting a bipartisan bill passed on the state level). As for city, I do not contribute enough energy (go to town meetings etc) to feel I personally have anything to be “proud” of.

I feel blessed often but not proud per say

 

[we"reofftoneverland]

Yes yes and yes. Yet, I didn’t actually feel that pride until after I lived in Europe for 2 years. Until then I thought I wanted to leave the us— and did. I was brainwashed in college and it took actually experiencing other places to realize how great the US is. And I don’t mean just going on a college abroad program— really experiencing. Trying to get a job, using their healthcare systems, navigating their bureaucracies, buying gasoline at their prices, realizing you will never, ever be able to afford to buy a house. One of the best moments in my life was stepping off the plane in Detroit to get my connection and the quintessentially American male handing me back my passport and saying in his American accent, “Welcome home.“ I could have kissed him.

 

[White Cat]

Yes yes and yes. Yet, I didn’t actually feel that pride until after I lived in Europe for 2 years. Until then I thought I wanted to leave the us— and did. I was brainwashed in college and it took actually experiencing other places to realize how great the US is. And I don’t mean just going on a college abroad program— really experiencing. Trying to get a job, using their healthcare systems, navigating their bureaucracies, buying gasoline at their prices, realizing you will never, ever be able to afford to buy a house. One of the best moments in my life was stepping off the plane in Detroit to get my connection and the quintessentially American male handing me back my passport and saying in his American accent, “Welcome home.“ I could have kissed him.

In my own way I know exactly what you are talking about.

 

[White Cat]

I’m one of those that doesn’t get the pride thing either. I feel extremely grateful to be a woman born in America. I’ve got it a heck of a lot better than other women in other countries. I have choices.

I live in NJ and like it here. I like my town too. I wouldn’t call it pride.

Are you proud to be a PR? Maybe wording it that way would help you understand the pride thing. In a way.

 

[White Cat]

Ah finally a good thread to ask this. I am not American, I am Dutch. Being proud is an almost foreign concept to me. If you are proud of something, it is about accomplishments, and even then you are taught to keep it to yourself, 'act normal' (as in: Don't stand out) is a big part of Dutch culture. Being proud of accomplishments is equal to bragging for us.

To Americans, how are you taught to be proud about things like country, state, city? Is it something your parents told you, is it a school thing, Where does it come from and how do you measure it?
(It's an honest question, it's one of the most fascinating things about American culture to me )

I’ve been to European soccer matches country versus country. Including the Netherlands. I saw a lot of pride in ones country at those. In fact it was extreme.

 

[Karin1984]

I’ve been to European soccer matches country versus country. Including the Netherlands. I saw a lot of pride in ones country at those. In fact it was extreme.

I don't think we are talking about sports matches. That is something that seems to be a universal moment in every country. I mean the cultural aspect of being proud year-round and it being part of the national identity to be proud.
Outside the 27th of April and big sports matches (that's mainly soccer, it's less at the Olympics, and even then it's a certain demographic), you will never see a Dutch person wear our national colours. In the US it's normal to wear 'proud of' t-shirts every day of the year, not just the 4th of July. Same with flags, in the Netherlands there are only specific days where you can put the flag out, while in the US it's normal to have flags everywhere and at anytime.

You will never hear a Dutch person say that he's proud to be Dutch or proud of his city. In the US politicians seem to love to use the words 'proud' or 'pride' in their speeches, I don't think it makes a difference if that's the mayor of a small village or the president.
We had a few years ago a new political party called 'proud of the Netherlands', it bombed completely for various reasons, but the name was certainly not something people could relate to.

 

[Strandberg]

I'm proud of my dad who's a retired firefighter. Saved plenty of lives and property.

 

[we"reofftoneverland]

I don't think we are talking about sports matches. That's something seems to be a universal moment in every country. I mean the cultural aspect of being proud year-round and it being part of the national identity to be proud.
Outside the 27th of April and big sports matches (that's mainly soccer, it's less at the Olympics, and even then it's a certain demographic), you will never see a Dutch person wear our national colours. In the US it's normal to wear 'proud of' t-shirts every day of the year, not just the 4th of July. Same with flags, in the Netherlands there are only specific days where you can put the flag out, while in the US it's normal to have flags everywhere and anywhere.

You will never hear a Dutch person say that he's proud to be Dutch or proud of his city. In the US politicians seem to love to use the words 'proud' or 'pride' in their speeches, I don't think it makes a difference if that's the mayor of a small village or the president.
We had a few years ago a new political party called 'proud of the Netherlands', it bombed completely for various reason, but the name was certainly not something people could relate to.

I think you are right about the Dutch. I only have one close Dutch friend and she is very international if that makes sense. But the French? In my experience they are the most patriotic people I have ever met, much more than even Americans. I actually love how French people are constantly bragging about their country.

 

[Welsh_Dragon]

I love Wales, but then I suspect that even if you asked people who have fled famine or war torn countries, they would also say that they love their country. Pride is different though. I am proud of my nation’s history and of the contribution we have made to British socialism etc. I am particularly proud of the battles fought by our trade unions and the changes made to child labour, health and safety laws, the national health service etc. I think Wales that is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, her people the friendliest etc. I admire the fact that Wales invests heavily in the arts, that medicines are free, that university tuition fees are subsidised because our senedd recognises the importance of educating all our youth, not just the rich ones. But I think maybe that this is different from the ‘pride’ of or in a country that some people are talking about.
Maybe I believe that pride is the deadliest of sins because it can be so divisive and as history has repeatedly demonstrated so very dangerous.
It’s a very good question @low-key.

 

[Moliphino]

Not taught. But history…
We help every other country in their time of need, weather it be militarily, money, accident investigations, and many other things.
The biggest thing to be proud of imho, is our space program. We put a man on the moon, and did that for all mankind.
I could go on and on, but yes, the US is my home and I’m proud to say so!!!

We also interfere a lot in ways that don't actually help the country "in need", but does financially benefit the US.

 

[willowsnn3]

I don't know about proud, but I do love my country, state & city/county. Some of the leaders, not so much. I would be more proud of our governor if he would agree to the petition our county has to re instate our sheriff tho.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

No, no and no. I used to be - I served in the Army because of my love and pride in America. But the more I learn about our country, its history and the nature of so many of our populace, the less I like America.

I feel fortunate to have been born here. My being born white has allowed me to have a great deal of financial success without being harassed along the way. But all sense of pride is long gone.

 

[White Cat]

We also interfere a lot in ways that don't actually help the country "in need", but does financially benefit the US.

Thankfully. But think of it. Even you do things to benefit you at the detriment to others.

 

[firefly_ris]

Country, yes. State, whoooaaaa no.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Country, absolutely!
Not the weirdo studio set version on TV & in the news (I think other countries believe the nonsense they see) but I do love the real everyday people I come across when I am out and about, the people who rush to each other's assistance in an emergency and help each other on the daily.

 

[CdnCarrie]

I love my country and have no desire to live anywhere else. Proud of our amazing healthcare system, paid one year maternity leave, social benefits, etc. Proud of all it's natural beauty and it's role in peacekeeping over the years.
As a diabetic I'm proud that insulin was discovered by Canadians!
But I realize it's far from perfect - tomorrow is Canada Day and most places are not celebrating due to both Covid restrictions and in respect of the Indigenous children that have been found deceased at the former residential schools.
You can love something and still not be happy with all aspects of it.

 

[wenrob]

I don't think we are talking about sports matches. That is something that seems to be a universal moment in every country. I mean the cultural aspect of being proud year-round and it being part of the national identity to be proud.
Outside the 27th of April and big sports matches (that's mainly soccer, it's less at the Olympics, and even then it's a certain demographic), you will never see a Dutch person wear our national colours. In the US it's normal to wear 'proud of' t-shirts every day of the year, not just the 4th of July. Same with flags, in the Netherlands there are only specific days where you can put the flag out, while in the US it's normal to have flags everywhere and at anytime.

You will never hear a Dutch person say that he's proud to be Dutch or proud of his city. In the US politicians seem to love to use the words 'proud' or 'pride' in their speeches, I don't think it makes a difference if that's the mayor of a small village or the president.
We had a few years ago a new political party called 'proud of the Netherlands', it bombed completely for various reasons, but the name was certainly not something people could relate to.

Eh, that’s really not a thing in all parts of the country. It’s going to depend on state/city/demographic/personality. I consider myself quite patriotic but I only pull out the Red White and Blue on holidays or occasions that call for it. Unless you’re passing a government building or school you’d be hard pressed to find the flag flying on the regular around here. It’s not that people don’t appreciate our country really, it’s just that they don’t feel the need to be constantly “on” about it. I know I’m lucky to have been born here. I’m also aware of her faults. Neither factors in on whether I do or do not display the flag. That probably doesn’t make a whole lot of sense but you seem to be under the impression that our homes and persons are draped in the Stars and Stripes 24/7 and that’s really not the case.

 

[takemethere]

My town is full of pretentious know it alls. I mostly hate it.

We must live in the same town